The New Donkey Kong and 9 Other Worst Character Redesigns

Donkey Kong has been such a beloved character in Nintendo’s arcades, initially known as a villain before he became the star of his titles. Seeing what happens to these classics can be worrying as more studios focus on digital gaming. The good news is that he’s coming along for the ride, but the bad news is that the Donkey Kong redesign is slightly questionable. 

What the Donkey Kong New Design Looks Like

Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the many games revealed for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, drawing attention from longtime gamers and arcade enthusiasts alike. Amid the excitement, some people can’t help but notice the slight redesign in DK’s overall look. 

While it’s still distinctly Donkey Kong, there are a few differences even with his more recent models. The little swoop on his head is more disheveled, along with the fur on his body. Their eyes also seem much more deep-set, while the expressions are more expressive. His in-game appearance makes all these a lot less noticeable than the artwork.

Donkey Kong’s old look will remain the same in older games like Mario Kart 8, but Bananza and other games looking forward will probably have this revamp. It’s not the worst, but they could have paid more tribute to his classic hairdo and lovable oaf vibe. 

9 Other Worst Character Redesigns

If you thought the Donkey Kong redesign was bad, wait to check out the other names on this list. You’ll be glad he didn’t meet as drastic a change as Dante or Ken. 

1. Bomberman

Bomberman is such a beloved and cartoonish character. Unfortunately, after finding a home under a new corporation, his character was redesigned for Bomberman: Act Zero. It was edgy, dark and everything the classic game was not. While it retained a little bit of the pink, the new Bomberman is far from kid-friendly. 

2. Spyro the Dragon

Spyro the Dragon was a simple and goofy-looking character who charmed many fans of The Legend of Spyro franchise. It was also one of the best action-adventure platformers of its time. Many were nervous for the Skylanders reboot, and it seems like those feelings were right— who is this smug dragon with a scrunched snout?

3. Knuckles

Knuckles was a fan favorite in the Sonic gaming world, and many were not expecting a redesign in Sonic Boom. While it’s not as bad as the Sonic the Hedgehog movie, where editors had to completely redesign the characters to appease video game fans, it definitely missed the mark. Small chest and big shoes to big chest and small shoes looks pretty funny. 

4. Dante

Devil May Cry has been on a roller-coaster of changes from reboot to reboot, and Dante’s model is quite caught in the crossfire. He was modified to look older and more brooding, even manifested in his personality. Some people would even claim that he was whitewashed, but it seems like he’s mainly just gotten paler to resemble a man from the dead. 

5. Chris Redfield

Few things are more annoying than an unnecessary revamp, which is what makes the Donkey Kong redesign rub off the wrong way. Another similar one is Resident Evil’s Chris Redfield in RE7 and RE Village. A haircut would have been understandable, but the complete wardrobe change and shift in facial features felt unwarranted. 

6. Ken

The Street Fighter series is a must-play MMA game for all gamers, and Ken is one of the most iconic characters ever with his red outfit. In Street Fighter 6, fans wonder why he looks like he retired from the fighting, went through a divorce and is struggling to find shaving cream. His hair also has an identity crisis, unsure if it’s a bob or a mullet. 

7. Sun

Mobile Legends has had its fair share of revamped heroes, and many phone gamers are a little frustrated with the state of these reworks. Sun is one of many examples, as he’s been stripped of his mask and battle gear. The new one on the right may seem easier on the eyes, but the uniqueness is just gone. 

8. Skarner

Skarner from League of Legends is one of the game characters who went through quite a shift, abandoning the older color palette of purple and blue. While they both still look like a scorpion, the new one feels more bulky and threatening. It’s good if you want to be more menacing while maining the hero, but it just has less charm than the older one. 

9. Pac-Man

Pac-Man was another one of those iconic characters from the good old days. When Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures dropped, many were curious about what they were about to look like. Pac-Man’s original transition into 3D was well-received, but something about this version is just unsettling. Maybe it’s the eyelids.

Why Do Redesigns Even Happen?

The Donkey Kong redesign is one of many revamps in the gaming world. And while many are not used to change, it’s a natural occurrence that happens to freshen up characters and their games. 

Many fans accuse developers of recycling designs and content, which can be frustrating. One good example is Anna Williams joining the Tekken 8 roster in March. Game director Katsuhiro Harada answers a fan slating the new redesign, noting how some can’t be satisfied whether appearances are retained or changed. 

While 98% of the fans are welcoming this, there will always be people like you.

I understand and sympathize that it may not suit your personal taste, but if you prefer the old design, past works already exist. I am not taking those away from you.

Also, you refer to yourself as… https://t.co/KwSX6QFwhn

— Katsuhiro Harada (@Harada_TEKKEN) February 26, 2025

So Is the Donkey Kong Redesign Really the Worst?

The thing is, character redesigns like Anna Williams and many others can work. The trained assassin still looks like the same character, only with a change in outfit and a hairdo that still resembles her old charm. She’s dressed in similar fashions in past iterations of the fighting game, and it’s not hard to believe she’d look like she did in Tekken 8. 

A good revamp should not feel like two completely different people all at once. If there are changes, it should still draw inspiration from the essence of the character. DK is relatively close to the original, which makes it somewhat acceptable. Nevertheless, there will be an adjustment period when seeing future splash art. 

Cross Your Fingers for Better Redesigns

The Donkey Kong redesign is far from perfect, but it still looks like him at the end of the day. With more game adaptations and reboots to come in the future, many can only hope for better game character revamps that stay true to the original.